What is OPAL?
In the summer term of 2024, Webheath Academy Primary School began an exciting journey to improve their play offer, to its pupils. We embarked on this journey, knowing there was so much more opportunity for the children to be learning whilst playing. When researching the play needs of children, it became very clear that these are simply not being met out of school, due to the many changes in society today. For example;
- The average screen time for primary children is as much as six hours per day.
- The average time spent playing and exercising outdoors is less than five hours per week.
- The percentage of UK children who only play outdoors with other children at school is 56%.
Therefore, we partnered up with a fantastic company called OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), to assist us on our journey. OPAL is the UK’s leading, award-winning organisation providing school improvement through play. It has helped hundreds of schools improve play for thousands of children across the world, even as far as Australia! The vision that OPAL has is very clear, ‘every child in every school has an amazing hour of high-quality play every day – with no exceptions. If one child is not enjoying playtimes, then things still need improving.’
As we progress on our OPAL journey making this vision a reality, will be at the centre of our efforts. OPAL is based on the idea that, as well as children learning via good teaching within the classroom, children also learn when they play.
As 20% of their time in school is playtime, we want to make sure that this amount of time (equivalent to 1.4 years of primary school) is fun, creative and as useful as possible for every student. There are many proven benefits for schools that carry out the OPAL Primary Programme, include: more enjoyment when at school, less teaching time lost to disputes between children, fewer accidents and improved behaviour. In addition to this, OPAL will assist in further developing life skills such as teamwork, problem solving, resilience and cooperation.
Miss Evans
Year 2 Teacher - 2JR/KE & OPAL Lead
I have been teaching for nearly 8 years now and all these years have been spent at Webheath. I am currently teaching in Year 2 and have really embraced the move down to Key Stage 1 from Key Stage 2. I am currently sharing the job of PE Lead, with Miss Steele, and really enjoy this role due to my passion for sport and the great outdoors. Furthermore, I am currently leading the implementation of the OPAL programme, which I am thoroughly enjoying and can’t wait to see how our OPAL journey continues to progress. Outside of school, I spend most of my time with my little girl getting outside as much as we can. I am also a huge Liverpool fan!
Miss Pinfold
WAC Deputy Manager & OPAL Play Leader
Having graduated with a degree in Primary Education, being Deputy Manager of WAC is a great start to my career. I have a passion for building positive relationships with children and hope to develop into a pastoral role. In my spare time I love to read.
Mrs Battey
Teaching Assistant Year 1
I have worked with children in Education for over 20 years, having been at Webheath for 10 of those. I enjoy spending time with my family and walking in the Lake District.
Mrs Reeves
Teaching Assistant Year 1
I have been in childcare for over 14 years and have been part of the team at Webheath since 2021. I love having the role of teaching assistant and being able to make a difference in children's learning. I have 3 children, and we love to be outdoors or visiting new places on the weekends.
Mrs Broome
Teaching Assistant Year 2
I've worked as a Teaching Assistant at Webheath since 2022, having previously worked at a children's charity for 8 years. What I love about this role is that I feel a huge sense of achievement when helping to support each child on their learning journey and it brings me great joy seeing the difference that I can help to make to their progression and development. In my spare time I'm an avid reader (I love escaping in a good book) and enjoy arts and crafts.
Mrs Greaves
Specialist Teaching Assistant (Phonics & Reading) / Year 2
I began working at Webheath in 2009 when my own children were still at the school. I find supporting the children with their learning very rewarding, and have spent time with most year groups over the years. On a personal note, you may see me out and about in the local area, either running, walking or cycling. I do enjoy the outdoors!
Mrs Dean
Specialist Teaching Assistant (SALT) - Year 3
I joined the school in 2009 and work across the school as the Speech and Language intervention Teaching Assistant. Outside of school I enjoy going running.
Ms Bickford
Teaching Assistant Year 3
Mrs Allen
Specialist Teaching Assistant (Maths) / Year 6
I have been working at Webheath since 2002, and during this time I have worked in most year groups. I find it very rewarding being able to help and support the children with their learning. Out of school I love spending time with my family and friends.
Our grounds and what is now available for the children
Large Playground
Patio Area
Side Playground
DW Sports based on the small playground
To help to get our children more active during play, we are lucky enough to have DW Sports come in and deliver different sports and activities, during OPAL Lunchtimes. This has been a real hit with the children, and it has been fantastic to see them improving a range of skills, whilst still having lots of fun!
Donations
We wanted to thank the Webheath Academy community for their support so far, the mounds of donations ranging from car tyres, and pallets to princess fancy dress outfits and buckets and spades for our mud pit have been greatly appreciated by both the staff and the children. As we continue on our journey, we will put out pleas for specific items, however, large loose parts is something we can’t get enough of, so please if you have any large loose parts hanging around, we would greatly appreciate taking them off your hands. The poster below shows some examples of the large loose parts we always need:
Rewarding imaginative play
Every week, we reward a child with an OPAL highflier certificate. This child is picked by our OPAL team and will have demonstrated imaginative, creative and respectful play.
Furthermore, every half term the children have a chance to win a ‘Golden Ticket’, this is a very special prize, saved for those children who consistently demonstrate imaginative play whilst always following our school values, ‘Kindness, Zest, Respect, Nurture and Integrity’. The lucky winners, who are chosen by our amazing OPAL play team, join the OPAL team for a high tea celebration.
Read more about OPAL here: Home – Outdoor Play And Learning
WAPS OPAL Gallery
